NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Headmaster
Dear Stonyhurst Families,
Gerard Manley Hopkins is a former pupil at Stonyhurst and is regarded as one of the great poets of the 19th Century Born in 1844 Hopkins was a convert to Catholicism and later undertook part of his Jesuit priestly training here at St Mary’s Hall which was then a seminary to train priests.
The Jesuit concept of ‘God in all things’ is perhaps best expressed in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. His pre-occupation with God’s presence in human life and particularly in nature.
Thursday was National Poetry Day so I shared with the College one of my favourite poems by Hopkins called God’s Grandeur.
The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man ' s smudge and shares man ' s smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
We listened to the poem recited by King Charles III as recorded by him for the Stonyhurst Ea Meditation 2021. You can find it on the Stonyhurst Website or on YouTube.
Hopkins has special resonance for us today given the focus on environmental concerns – and Francis calls it the ‘care of our common home’. The hope that despite the challenges God’s g still shines through creation offering hope and renewal.
This term has been filled with a wide range of exciting events and trips, bringing our students together for memorable experiences.
The term kicked off with a thrilling trip to a Wigan Warriors rugby match, where several students had the honour of participating as flag bearers on the field. This was followed by a high-speed day of go-karting, where students competed for the fastest lap times, and a visit to the Ninja Warrior Challenge, where physical strength and agility were put to the test
Students also enjoyed a fun-filled bowling trip, followed by an exciting day at an indoor waterpark, where they splashed into adventure and made lasting memories
Social events on campus included a mocktails social and an ice-cream social, offering chances to relax and enjoy time together A standout event this term was the student-led barbecue for the boys in Higher Line, which allowed them to showcase leadership and create a fun and welcoming environment
A very fun September also included a trip to enjoy the traditional Sunday roast experience at a local pub, and two wonderful formal events for the Rhetoric and Poetry playrooms, where students gathered to celebrate in style.
To stay updated with these and more exciting activities from our fun boarding programme, be sure to follow us on our new Instagram page @boardingstonyhurst!
Boarding News
CoCurricular
Mountain Bike Club
Our Mountain Bikers enjoyed some glorious sunshine on Thursday.
Syntax Arrival
We welcomed Leopoldo to Syntax this week, in his first week at Stonyhurst he has experienced a pre-season training session with Mr Moretti, played a football friendly, enrolled in CCF and even been to Sandcastles in Blackpool.
Fly Fishing
The Hodder provided an idyllic location to hone some advance fly-fishing skills
Rugby Victory
Our Rugby teams enjoyed a fantastic block against Lancaster RGS on Saturday with both the 1st and 2nd XV’s coming through victorious. It was great to see Rugby in the North West thriving with so many pupils enjoying pulling on a Stonyhurst jersey to represent the College.
Pupil Success
Cricket Squad Selection
Huge congratulations to Jemima, our talented year 8 pupil, for being selected for the Lancashire Cricket Girls U13 Squad 2024/25. Over 200 girls competed in trials at Emirates Old Trafford, and Jemima has earned her place in the final squad of 24, who will now embark on an intensive winter training programme.
This achievement highlights the cricketing excellence at Stonyhurst, following our girls’ team finishing in the top five nationally at the Girls indoor Cricket Championships at Lord’s this summer. Well done, Jemima.
Con e win at the Lancashire Championships Girls U12s earlier this month. Following her victory, Annabel and her Lancashire teammates had a fantastic weekend in Nottingham at the National Finals
They secured wins against Surrey, Avon, and Kent in the group stages and beat Essex in the final.
Well done, Annabel - an outstanding achievement
Hello Yellow
Each year, schools and communities come together to brighten World Mental Health Day by wearing yellow and supporting Young Minds.
In today’s challenging world, young people need to know they are not alone, and that things can and will improve.
At Stonyhurst, we’ll be setting up a lunchtime stall with activities promoting positive mental health, & we encourage all pupils and staff to wear yellow on the 10th October.
Together, we shine bright.
Recognition and Awards
Aloysius House Awards
Arthur - for working impressively in German, picking up the new language quickly
Emilie - for working impressively in German, picking up the new language quickly
George - for some fantastic practical work in drama
Andrew - for outstanding effort in geography every lesson and excellent studies!
Alana - for being selected for both Cheshire County and Manchester Thunder U12's netball squads - amazing achievement!
Jack - for showing a real interest in class and contributing very well to lessons.
Finley - for writing a fantastic analytical paragraph on the opening of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland in English last week.
Jemima - for being selected for the Lancashire Girls U13 Cricket Squad - we are all very proud!
Sophia & Finn - for amazing efforts in the cross country event, finishing first place out of the Stonyhurst runners in their respective races.
Lower Line Recognition
Alaina, Alejandra, Lucas and Isaure - Stars of the Week
Seb - Man of the match award for outstanding commitment throughout the game
Jayden - For being helpful in class and helping the wider community
Benjamin - For his punctuality and trying his best
Jorge - For going above and beyond to complete additional studies All round amazing effort and always being curious on how to improve further in his own time
Higher Line Recognition
Grete - For submitting an extensive, thorough and very substantial piece of studies
Elliot - For a wonderfully articulate speech at Headmaster's Assembly which was eloquent, humorous and gave excellent advice about Quant Je Puis
Melissa - For a wonderful Line Captain's speech at Headmaster's Assembly which was eloquent, confident and very well-delivered.
Alvaro - For an outstanding speech as Captain of the 1st XV at Headmaster's Assembly, encouraging the younger pupils to be resilient and being humble about victories.
Abi - For an excellent and eloquent speech at Headmaster's Assembly - for confidence and for the excellent advice given, especially being empathetic to the younger pupils at Stonyhurst
The Stonyhurst Foundation
Cordially Invites Stonyhurst Parents to
The Christmas Ball
On Wednesday 11th December 2024
At 7pm At Stonyhurst College
Purchase Tickets Here
Carriages at 12am Dress Code is Black Tie
